Wild in Whistler Radio application on the homestretch

There could be a new community radio station in Whistler as early as January 2005.

Whistler local Wes Shaws application to broadcast on FM 103.5, call letters CIWB, has been given technical acceptance by Industry Canada and will receive a hearing from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on June 7, 2004.

The non-appearing hearing will take place in Gatineau, Que. In the event the station is approved a six month acceptance and test period will follow, after which the station must be up and running within a years time.

Shaw, founder of the local nightlife-focused Web site WildinWhistler.com, applied for the broadcasting license in early 2003.

His vision for the radio station is congruent with the club-focus of the site, with an emphasis on content from local DJs and electronica producers and bands. Weather and road reports and talk radio are also intended programming.

Shaw says plans are to install the station antenna and broadcasting studio in the Royal Bank Building adjacent to the Telus Conference Centre. The station will rely for the most part on content from community volunteers, similar to a college radio station.

Wild in Whistler radio is not to be confused with a Creekside-based pirate radio station that commandeered local FM 105.5 airwaves from February to November of 2003.

Shaw had filed his application long before Freeradio Whistler broadcaster Steve Toulch expressed interest in applying for a legitimate broadcasting license after being shut down by Industry Canada Nov. 25, 2003.

Freeradio continues to broadcast legally over the Internet and is currently offered as a link on WildinWhistler.com. Shaws intentions are to replace the link with one to his own station once it gets up and running.

As is CRTC procedure, the public is encouraged to register either their support or disapproval of the application in advance of the hearing. The application has been designated 2003-1459-2 by the CRTC. Deadline for comment has been set for Thursday, May 13.

Local commercial radio station Mountain FM 102.1 refused to comment on the application.

For more information on the application go to www.crtc.gc.ca or www.wildinwhistler.com.